Today we’d like to introduce you to Ali Taylor.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Ali. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Saying Fashion is my passion would be an understatement. Fashion is who I am. My journey begins at the youngest age I can remember; I was never satisfied with the clothing I had, constantly modifying the outfits from the store, begging my mom for new shoes, and designing my own “princess” dresses in my first sketchbook. The world of luxury appealed to me not because it shines, but because it’s timeless. I grew up into working with clients, designing real clothing, and continuing to push my creative direction limits. I attend Savannah College of Art and Design here in Atlanta, where I study Fashion Marketing and Management. I also study and shadow under British Vogue, Condé Nast College of Fashion and Design. While my expertise lies in the business field of Fashion, designing dresses is still a passion of mine. I recently began jewelry design locally as well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Never a smooth road! Greatness comes with challenges. I dropped out of college my first year, I couldn’t handle the pressure. I’ve dated bad guys who took my interests elsewhere, I’ve faced life-changing moments with my family, and I’ve had to take time really reflect on who I am and what I want. Young Women, never stop believing in yourself. Dreaming big is one of the singlehanded most powerful elements of your being. Manifest what you want, and never let anyone tell you it’s “too big” or to “be more realistic.” If I had a dollar for the number of times I’ve heard those phrases, I may be able to afford that Penthouse in NYC by now.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I do a little bit of everything in my field, I’d say. For starters, I am a fashion designer. I’ve been modifying and creating clothing for as long as I could remember. I am also a stylist. Starting with my own trends, I quickly grew a client for those interested in my style. I ended up working with clients for small campaigns and photo shoots throughout the past few years. Finally, I’d say I am strong in creative direction. From organizing marketing campaigns, look books, magazine spreads, the list goes on and on, I have found I have developed a unique insight into what it means to be individual. It’s hard to truly depict what makes you “different” from others. I’d say others have inspired me the most. When looking at greatness, I truly see myself different because I am a normal person. I didn’t come from money, I didn’t come from a family who was interested in fashion or luxury, this is truly my essence. My inspirations and motivation have completely been driven by myself, and I am very thankful for that.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
In looking at couture or high fashion, we notice a lot of Head’s of House are generally men. I admire women like Sarah Burton, Head of House at Alexander Mcqueen, for stepping up to the plate and carrying on his legacy. Yet- to me, that is still the problem. Carrying on “his” legacy. I believe more couture designers as females should be stepping up to the plate in my generation and those to come. Us women are the next voices of the fashion world, and I believe we can continue to conquer.
Pricing:
- Fashion Design: $40 per hour
- Styling: $20 per hour
- Creative Direction: $40 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alitaylor0405.wixsite.com/website
- Email: alitaylorwork@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alitayyylor/
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alitayyylor/
Image Credit:
Photographer: Marian Hill, Dress model: Valeria Perez
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